Of course not. The deep freeze doesn’t give a sleet how hot the books are.

Still worth the risk, though, of jumping into the ol’ snowmobile and maybe–quite possibly–most assuredly–running off the road, ramming into another road warrior, and/or crashing right through the façade of your favorite comic shop.

Right?

Right.

Whoa, wait: I may have something here: a drive thru comic shop…

Somebody get on that.

Hellboy & The B.P.R.D. #3 (Dark Horse)

Lady Killer #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand I tweeted this out about a perfectly executed #1 because I had to:

Superman #38 (DC) I&N Demand New costume? Thank God. New power? Say what? It’s as bright as day: Johns and JRJ have been like twin yellow suns re-energizing the Last Son of Krypton; so I’m down with whatever it is they want to do.

Superman #38

G.I. Joe #5 (IDW)

Birthright #5 (Image)

East of West #17 (Image) I&N Demand Everything about East of West has been great. Hickman went bigger with this world of his, and he’s owned it–like a mad god suffering from significant stretches of lucidity.

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #1 (Image) I&N Demand The follow-up to the killer Killers arc. Didn’t read Killers? Haven’t been hit by any Stray Bullets at all? Consider this a jumping on point–one that’ll inspire you to jump backward into the satisfyingly-uncomfortable line of fire; into a shotgun blast of expertly-wielded ambiguity. Pull the trigger, you son of a gun! Give Sunshine and Roses a shot!

The Massive #25 (Dark Horse): Since February, The Massive has been an I&N monthly Top 5 Book. That’s a record five months in a row! On the strength of that, I think it’s safe to say that Brian Wood’s book is headed for the Top Ten of 2014. For the most part, “Sahara” delivered its powerful feminist message in the understated manner–Women! Water! Life!–we’ve come to expect from Wood. (If I’m being fair, Part Three felt a bit preachy at times, but not to the detriment of the issue or of the arc.) The final arc–with its promise of Massive answers–begins here.

Veil #4 (Dark Horse): Has been somewhat disappointing–the last issue, in particular. I’m not caring too much about the femme ratale. There’s something all too familiar about her. Fejzula’s art’s been good, though. I’m riding it out because it’s a fiver.

East of West #14 (Image): Has been North of Excellent. Hickman and Dragotta certainly took their time building a big world–which is Hickman’s bag, ain’t it?; oh, but they’ve been hitting big–no, really big notes of late. (#12, in particular, was ridiculously good.) A dark robot horse for my personal pick for the Top Ten of 2014.

Fatale #24 (Image): Lots of love for the poetic penultimate issue. I thought it was spectacular, really–visually (different for Phillips on Fatale that’s for sure) and in terms of revelations. Brubaker went Big Bang, man. As I’m remembering, I’m still kinda affected by the whole thing with Josephine’s son. Creepy as hell, but, in the end, necessary, no? Speaking of the end: this is the femme finale–and I have no doubt: “It’s going to hurt.” Yeah, it’s going to be tough to say goodbye to one of our favorite books.

Fatale #24

Low #1 (Image): I couldn’t be any lower on a creator than I am on Remender. Why would I do this to myself??

Outcast #2 (Image): “Demons are the new zombies,” eh? The first issue was a decent set up. It’s no Thomas Alsop, that’s for sure; but I’ll give it a few, you know, to see where it goes. (If you’re not reading Thomas Alsop from BOOM! yet, get on that. You won’t be disappointed.)

Hawkeye #19 (Marvel): Listen up! Apparently, it’s taken Aja a long time to master the art of sign language for this issue. That’s right: try to remember–or I’ll remind: Clint’s gone deaf. So…

Hawkeye #19

Uncanny X-Men #24 (Marvel): I missed the last issue. As a result, I have no idea what secrets Xavier’s will revealed. Now that’s a sin!

The Massive #21 (Dark Horse): #20 was one of our Top Five Books of February–and deservedly so. Brian Wood and Garry Brown have hit all the right notes leading up to this arc ender–a real “Bloc” buster!

Mind MGMT #20 (Dark Horse): It might seem as if we’re getting paid to say so, but, no, it’s just true: #19 was our #1 book of February. That’s back-to-back top spots! And let’s not forget that #17 was our top single issue of 2013! Innovation has been at the heart of our celebration; in that, we can’t wait to see what Matt Kindt has come up with this time around.

Dead Boy Detectives #4 (DC/Vertigo): So very Vertigo, isn’t it? Has hooked me much in the same way John Ney Rieber hooked me with The Books of Magic ongoing back in the day. I love how the three narrative voices come together–kind of like the comic book version of Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Dead Boy Detectives #4

The Sandman: Overture #2 (DC/Vertigo): I’m already over its being overdue. I’m not much of a Gaimanite. It’s all about J.H. Williams for me. His art is always welcome in my bag.

The Wake #7 (DC/Vertigo): Can’t say that I understand the celebratory waves left in the wake of the first five issues. But what I can say with certainty is that I liked #6 quite a bit–despite some expository dialogue that smacks of a Sci-Fi original movie. The clever cliffhanger–one of several selling points of #6–calls quickly–too quickly?–to mind what’s come before, making this month’s offering as crucial as can be. The danger: doling out too much or too little here in #7. Snyder’s got to play this one just right.

Alex + Ada #5 (Image): Sure, the forum discussion gets a tad technical, but it is easily chalked up as a necessary evil–one rehabilitated almost immediately by Jonathan Luna’s patient visual storytelling, which, along with complementing well Sarah Vaughn’s more economical approach to the dialogue, accentuates the suspense born of Alex’s choice to reboot Ada. Love the way the issue ends: I’m pretty sure my eyes widened–like Ada’s–in anticipation of that final page turn, which revealed, to my dismay, a suffering Ada. Kudos to Luna and Vaughn for making me suffer along with Ada in the moment and along with Alex for the last month or so. I’m desperate to discover how this pans out for the two of them three of us.

Alex + Ada #5

Fatale #21 (Image): This siren song of a series hit a high note with #20–our #2 book of February. Yet another insistent miracle from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Not yet willing to accept that Josephine’s story is coming to an end.

Fatale #21

The Manhattan Projects #19 (Image): Can you guess which part of #18 I appreciated the most? If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you know exactly which sequence left me squealing with joy–a hole lot of joy! (Hint: it’s not the one in Oppenheimer’s head.)

Satellite Sam #7 (Image): With #6, it’s back to business and, as a result, a return to form. Matt Fraction’s writing is crisp, the dialogue an intricate dance; Howard Chaykin’s artwork is–as always–out of this world.

Hawkeye #18 (Marvel): Has been a wild ride number-wise, and, as a result, storyline-wise. #17 was kind of fun in a frivolous and furry way. Speaking of: it’s time for another Kate Bishop singleton! Starting to wonder if I’m buying this for Fraction or for his Hawkeye. I’m leaning toward the latter. That’s right: I’m the Leaning Reader of Hawkeye–who may pass on Clint-less copy.

The Bunker #2 (Oni Press): An interesting premise, naturally complicated by the time-travel aspect, delivered with relative ease by Joshua Hale Fialkov and Joe Infurnari. Looking forward to this one.

The Bunker #2

Doc Savage #4 (Dynamite): Still haven’t read the first three.

The Midas Flesh #4 (BOOM!): #2 was one of our top books of January. #3 didn’t crack our list for February, but it was solid follow-up that gleefully gave us all the finger–Midas’s finger. That’s some serious WMD: Weaponized Midas Digit. Talk about the spoils of war! The blood is the treasure!

Uber Special #1 (Avatar): I’m still diggin’ Uber. Not too sure how much we need a “special,” though.

Astro City #10 (DC/Vertigo): Busiek’s Winged Victory tour has been a revelation! Hope it soars right to the end.

Royals: Masters of War #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a jolly good show! Rob Williams’ characters were instantly engaging; and Simon Coleby’s art was terrific, like Jae Lee with more detail and without the reliance on silhouettes. Together, they’ve delivered a well-rounded opening salvo filled with “awe,” “exhilaration,” “excitement,” and “fear.” Has a depth that separates it from the very similar Uber, which just so happens to be on tap this week, as well.

Monster & Madman #1 (IDW): Frankenstein’s monster and Jack the Ripper together in the same book? Oh, and Steve Niles as the facilitator? Yes, please!

Monster & Madman #1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #32 (IDW): Ross Campbell’s surprisingly strong run on the post-“City Fall” arc comes to an end. Good news, though: one of our favorites, the terrific Mateus Santolouco, is back with #33!

East of West #10 (Image): A compelling read that has really started to take off. It’s a solid showcase for Hickman’s serious side, which is a nice counterpoint to his maniacal The Manhattan Projects.

Stray Bullets: Killers #1 (Image): Gonna have to stick this on the ol’ Catch Up pile because…

Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition (Image): I recently read the first four issues of Stray Bullets on Dave Lapham’s website. Have been waiting for this bad boy ever since. Thanks to my man Derek for pointing me in this direction.

Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel): I’m a fair fella. I put The All-New Invaders out of my mind–only after a bit of a purple purge–and jumped into James Robinson’s reboot of The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine with the optimism of an innocent. As it turned out, it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t fantastic, but it wasn’t bad. Robinson–one of our favorite writers of 2012–set the terms of his take on the cosmic quartet–with fine art from Leonard Kirk–and did so well enough for me to follow along. 4 Now! anyway.

Hawkeye #17 (Marvel): Sure, we’re bee-bopping around a bit, but it doesn’t matter much: wherever Fraction fires his arrows on Hawkeye, they hit the mark emphatically. This departure from the deafening events of #15 promises to be “a raucously adorable and hilarious animated adventure.” Sock it to me!

Secret Avengers #1 (Marvel): The secret’s out: Ales Kot and Michael Walsh are teaming up again (see Zero #1 or the recently released Zero TP) for an Avengers title that I’m really looking forward to. No, really.

Secret Avengers #1

X-Force #2 (Marvel): I didn’t really love #1. Heck, I barely liked it. But I’m going to give it another issue because Si Spurrier has earned my not-so-easily-earned loyalty. (Yes, I’m still riding the high of the meticulously meta Six-Gun Gorilla, one of our favorite books of 2013.)

Death Sentence #6 (Titan): No hyperbole here: this is one issue away from cementing itself as the mini to beat for 2014. Writer Montynero’s made himself a must-read–the result of his brilliant storytelling, his unforgettable characters and his insightful back matter. Mike Dowling’s art–which calls to mind the fabulous Sean Phillips–is the perfect complement to Montynero’s wild, wild words. If you foolishly missed out on this rocking good time, fret not: there’s always the trade.

Uber #10 (Avatar): Still solid. Wondering how long Gillen’s going to go with it. Wonder how long he can go on with it. Fair or not: I’m going to be holding it to Royals: Masters of War. It’s the nature of the business, ain’t it? Yeah, comics are hell.

Unity #5 (Valiant): Looking forward to the new arc, which has not been billed as Kindt, CAFU, and you. Man, it should’ve been.

The Massive #20 (Dark Horse): #19 struggled a bit to to rise to the level of “Longship.” It was to be expected, I suppose, even as expectations were expectedly ramped up as a result of the exquisite study in tension that was the showdown between Cal Israel and Bors Bergson. In general, there is something magical about how Brian Wood gets more out of simmering than most get out of boiling.

Mind MGMT #19 (Dark Horse): Matt Kindt is working at a completely different level; and, in that, he’s competing against himself–and winning, wouldn’t you know! Oh, you know–because you’re a regular reader of Mind MGMT, right? If you’ve been a regular reader of our humble blog, then you know that #16 was our favorite issue until #17 came along and earned our coveted Best Single Issue of 2013 award. #18–our #1 book of January 2014–has trumped #17 as our favorite issue of Mind MGMT to date; so you know what we’re expecting: #19 is going to be better still! It’s going to be magic!

The Wake #6 (DC/Vertigo): According to Scott Snyder: “#5 [was] the big game changer.” If that means that the series is suddenly going to get interesting, a bit more challenging, then terrific. If it simply speaks to the leap forward in time that we’ve been hanging onto since #1, then I’m bored already. Aside from some Snyder-esque horror in #3, the series has been an absolute snoozefest. This is a rep-read–did I just coin that?–if there ever was one.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31 (IDW): I’m still marveling over the fact that I’m reading a Turtles book. Thing is, it’s good. The writing’s solid, and Ross Campbell’s art is terrific; it suits the situation in which the Turtles find themselves perfectly. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mateus Santolouco’a return to the title is just around the corner. Sweet!

TMNT #31

Deadly Class #2 (Image): I’ve about reached the end of my Remender rope. But I have just enough left for this one. I hope I get a bit more than recycled schemes, though.

Rat Queens #5 (Image): It sure as hell ain’t high art, but who gives a rat’s ass? Wiebe and Upchurch are spreading a plague of royal merriment! Catch it as quickly as you can!

Rat Queens #5

Satellite Sam #6 (Image): All I remember of #5: lots of below the belt lip service. Now, with the oral stage set, what’s to come, Sigmund Fraction? I hope we get back to business–before the afterglow turns totally to aftergloom.

Sheltered #7 (Image): #6 offered up an interesting angle: the adult as the innocent. Derek and I talked about it here: I&N the Gutter with…Sheltered. I’m hoping that this series stays tight and doesn’t get tedious–like Revival, for instance.

Three #5 (Image): #3 was great. #4 didn’t quite have the same impact but was a damn fine follow up with an edge of your seat cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see how it plays out here in #5. Kieron Gillen’s got something really good going with Three. Looks like when he’s doing his own thing, as with Uber, he’s much more effective and, ultimately, more engaging. He grabs his angle, does his research, and soars.

Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel): James Robinson’s The All-New Invaders has been a major disappointment. In fact, we called out #1 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of January. We all know that Robinson’s capable of so much more. Well, I hope he brings that more to Fantastic Four–and I hope what he and Leonard Kirk bring together as a team to “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” justifies the reboot.

Hawkeye #15 (Marvel): Wouldn’t you know: a filtered Fraction is a much better–and certainly sexier–Fraction. But Fraction’s only half of the team that’s serving up the second best hero book–after Daredevil , of course–in the Marvel Universe: David Aja has a hand–a very active hand, sexually actually–in the sexification of Clint Barton, as well. Hey Derek! Smart move jumping onto Mind MGMT–finally. Now it’s time to set your sights on some super hero action. What are you waiting for? I’ll even lend you my trades!

Hawkeye #15

Miracleman #3 (Marvel): I’m hooked on Alan Moore’s Miracleman! Gosh, I wish I had read these stories back in the day, though. But thanks to Marvel for giving me an opportunity enjoy them now. Could do without all of the ancillary material, however.

Doc Savage #3 (Dynamite): On the strength of Derek’s recommendation, I’ve picked up the first two, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet.

X-O Manowar #22 (Valiant): A reliable read, though rarely remarkable. Aric, however, remains one of my favorite characters. I wonder whether or not Aric’s involvement in Unity will bring a little something extra to this book. We’ll see.

The Massive #19 (Dark Horse): Brian Wood and Garry Brown have a long way to go to outdo what they did with “Longship,” the finest arc of the series thus far. Could cut the tension with a harpoon–and just barely! But they’ve got plenty of wind in their sails and Arkady–an even bigger threat than the great white whaler, Bors Bergsen–on deck, so I’m betting on better.

Mind MGMT #18 (Dark Horse): We celebrated Mind MGMT as our #2 book of 2013 and issue #17 as the Best Single Issue of 2013. Well, wouldn’t you know, the Year of the Snake comes to a close in the jungle, the mighty jungle, where an agent sleeps tonight…

Wonder Woman #27 (DC): We’re through twenty-seven mostly solid issues and where have we gotten? No, really: someone please tell me why I should keep buying this! It was good just ain’t good enough anymore. Something to consider: if I drop this and Suicide Squad–once Kindt’s run is over–I’ll be down to one New 52 book. One. Sad–especially with Marvel’s All-New effort to inject excitement back into their brand with big names and tempting titles. Umm, I guess, in a way, I’m kind of calling for a Newer 52.

Bedlam #11 (Image): It’s taken me this long to suss Spencer out. But now that I have, I feel fully invested in Fillmore’s story and have no good reason to ditch.

Dead Body Road #2 (Image): While I wasn’t blown away by #1, I like Justin Jordan enough to give it another shot. If it doesn’t live up to expectations, I’ll bag it and tag it, put it in a box, and say good-bye.

Deadly Class #1 (Image): Thing is, I really don’t like Rick Remender enough to give any of his books any kind of shot. Captain America‘s a disaster in any dimension, Uncanny Avengers was unreadable from the get-go, and Black Science gave me every reason to disbelieve in Remender and in his ability to create a world of worth.To sharpen my point: the premise of this book sounds a lot like Five Weapons–also from Image–doesn’t it? Ugh. And after all that, I’ll probably still buy it.

Zero #5 (Image): #4 was brilliant. In fact, it solidified Zero as one of our Top Ten Books of 2013. Ales Kot and his coterie of artists have so far delivered four fantastic stanzas of versified violence! And to think the epic has just begun!

X-Men #9 (Marvel): The addition of the Dodsons has been a Godsend. They’ve double-handedly drawn me back in.

Eternal Warrior #5 (Valiant): I’m leaning toward dropping it. Hasn’t been bad. Just don’t think I’m into it enough. Feel like I’m buying it out of loyalty for Valiant. Not a good enough reason to part with $4–not anymore.

The Massive #17 (Dark Horse): Continues to be one of my favorites. In #11, Callum Israel, the unyielding–and anachronistic–idealist, stares down an agent of the new reality: whaler, Bors Borgsen. “Tomorrow [they] do go to war,” and I can’t wait.

Mind MGMT #17 (Dark Horse): How much did I love #16? Let me count the ways: it was our #3 book of October.

Mind MGMT #17

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28 (IDW): “City Fall” comes to an end–and so too, sadly, does Mateus Santolouco’s run as the artist. Admission: I’ve enjoyed the arc a lot, more so than I expected to. Not much of a Turtles fan, I jumped on board because of Santolouco’s art; thing is, I just may stick around even after this one. Never would’ve guessed that in a million years.

TMNT #28

Bedlam #10 (Image): I’ve gone a long while with this one without feeling a connection to a single character. I should just drop the damn thing and be done with it once and for all. (Instead, I kinda feel like I’m the one being dropped–not unlike the fella falling to the pavement on the cover of #9.) Big words from someone who’s not standing in a comic shop filled with shiny new books–books that seem to know that I have the constitution of an secondhand accordion.

Black Science #1 (Image): I’m not too sure if I’m going to bother with this. I know, I know: it’s an Image #1, and that usually means it’s gonna end up in my bag. But I’m carrying a pretty significant grudge: I’m not going to mince words: I hate what Rick Remender did with Captain America in the NOW! I couldn’t read past #3. I came back, mind you, once Remender pulled Cap out of Dimension Z. Still, everything was wrong–so terribly wrong. Traitorously wrong. The only reason I might even try this one is because sometimes writers I haven’t liked very much on established characters shine while developing their own. Yeah, that’s my science.

Pretty Deadly #2 (Image): Expectations are pretty darned low after a muddled and all-too-familiar first issue. I’m going to be fair, though, and give it a flip through. Sometimes a series needs that second or third issue to take off and find its own space. I usually extend that courtesy to creators I like or characters I like; that’s not the case here, however. Maybe it’s because I’ve developed a weak spot for westerns of late. We’ll see.

Rat Queens #3 (Image): The book’s got a bit of a Saga vibe, doesn’t it? Didn’t notice it so much in #1; but in #2, it’s pretty obvious–especially in the strong final note. “Buckets” of fun! I mean, it’s not nearly as refined, as deliberate; it’s exuberant prose, where Saga‘s poetry. Here we go: it’s as if Wiebe’s throwing all at the wall and is keeping everything that sticks and–aw, why the hell not?–everything that doesn’t. Despite its checkered execution, there’s plenty to like. Queen me!

Rat Queens #3

Saga #16 (Image): “Perfect, gumdrop.” And that’s all ye need to know.

Saga #16

Sidekick #4 (Image): All that work–and for what? Talk about the St. Louis blues! Flyboy’s gotta be sidekicking himself! Heh. Mostly a solid issue. Certainly worth another shot.

All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel): #18 was better than I expected it to be. Could do without the new unis, though. Brought me back–appropriately, I suspect–to my initial reaction to the awful uniforms donned by the very same bunch upon their “dramatic return” in X-Factor #1 (1986).

Hawkeye #14 (Marvel): I loved #13. In fact, it was this close to making our Top 5 for October. It’s Matt Fraction at his heroic best. Doesn’t hurt that he’s got David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth affirming it all with their artistic version of the truth. Fraction may be hitting the haystack with Sex Criminals; here, however, he’s center bull.

Letter 44 #2 (Oni Press): I said my peace–fighting words for some–about #1 over on our Top 5 for October. Thing is, it wasn’t a part of the Top 5–it was our Biggest Dis. Despite the dis–a pretty friendly one, if I’m being honest–I’m hoping that something significant happens here. If Soule drags out the reveal of the aliens, I’m off–unless President Blades shines again. Then I may stick around for another. Accordion, indeed.

Still riding a post-Comic Con high. You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part. Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead. R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.

Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to. Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did. No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book. But expectations have been raised. Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.

Buzzkill #2

Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties. Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.

Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here. Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going. Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself. This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.

Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good. Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.

Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes. Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.

Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series. I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.

Nowhere Men #6

Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks. I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.

Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo. Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.

Zero #2

Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf. He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.

Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom. Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].

Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma. I’ll give it this one to grab me good. If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.

X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O. Glad I didn’t.

The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.

Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last. So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year. Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride. I believe him.

Batman Annual #2 (Read it! Should’ve learned my lesson regarding these darned annuals a long time ago. But seeing as I bought it and read it: I guess I liked the premise that Batman “ruined” Arkham by filling it with villainous scum. What I didn’t care for was the stretching out of the story–which was unnecessary in the context of the story itself, clearly, but necessary in the context of filling all those extra pages. Darned annuals.)

Uber #4 (Read it! Now that’s how it’s done! Kudos to Kieron Gillen and Caanan White for serving up a solid issue from front to back. And to think I almost abandoned the war effort after #2!)

Bedlam #8 (Read it! Fully expected it to be a pull-list casualty at this point; but, darn it, throughout the series Spencer’s shown a knack for escalating the plot over the course of an issue, and this issue is a prime example of that knack and its power. And just like that, I’m down for more.)

Bedlam #8

Daredevil #29 (Read it! On its own, a pretty good show. Unfortunately, it’s not on its own; it both follows and is a follow-up to the near flawless #28.)

The Wake #3 (Read it! OK, now you’ve got my attention, Mr. Snyder! This is the issue I was waiting for-not just it terms of the series, but in terms of the series’ scribe, as well. What sucks about it: now I’ve got to wait some more–for #4.)

Animal Man Annual #2 (Read it! Love the family stuff. The hero stuff is on the walking side of run-of-the-mill. That seems to be the flaw in Lemire’s game. Well, there’s always Trillium, which is due 8/7. Good to see travel Foreman, by the way.)

Collider #1 (Gonna get right to it after I post this darn thing.)

Collider #1

I’m happy to report that I also picked up Hawkeye Vol. 2, so it won’t be long before I’m all caught up!

The Rocketeer & The Spirit #1 (Read it! Passed it over as I put together What’s Up? for the week. Thanks to Derek, however, I didn’t leave the shop without it. Lots of fun. Signature Waid with great art from Paul Smith.)

The Rocketeer & The Spirit #1

Uncanny #2 (Read it! Certainly good enough to keep me around for another issue.)

Thumbprint #2 (Read it! Some strong moments. A couple of typos. Ends on the same note as #1, which is a bit disappointing considering the length of the series. Conclusion here we come!)